Kenya’s Mengich wins Berlin Half Marathon

Berlin, April 4: Richard Mengich returned from injury to win the 36th edition of the Berlin Half Marathon under 60 minutes.

Mengich, who turned 27 on Sunday, returned from an injury and clocked a personal best of 59 minutes 58 seconds. Elizeba Cherono snatched the women's race with 70:43 here, reports Xinhua news agency.

Mengich and Eriteras' Simon Tesfay controlled the pace during the first 10 kilometres. However, things changed soon after the 10km point as Tesfay was unable to hold the pace with Mengich, who pulled away to improve his personal best for one second. Germany's Arne Gabius reaped a decent result after finishing on fourth with 62:45.

In the women's race, Elizeba Cherono came from behind after intercepting front-runner Susan Jeptoo on the final stages. Jeptoo finished on second with 70:49 followed by Agnieszka Mierzejewska, who crossed the finish line with 71:41.

About 32,700 runners from 103 countries and regions took part in the 36th edition of the Berlin Half Marathon.